There has never been a race like the 2012 Houston Marathon.

For the first time in history, USA Track and Field—in conjunction with the Houston Marathon Committee—will host the US men's and women's Olympic trials on the same day, in the same place, at virtually the same time.

The 26.2-mile race will be run on two loops, and the top three finishers of each gender will earn the chance to represent the US at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The Houston Marathon is already considered one of the premier distance races, and the added excitement of the US Olympic trials makes this event more important than ever.

Where: Houston, Texas

When: Saturday, January 14, 2012, 8:00 a.m. CST 

Watch: NBC; 3-5 p.m. EST

Events: Race Day

Trials Town
Discovery Green, Jones Lawn
7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon - Men's Start
Avenida de las Americas
8:00 a.m.

2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon - Women's Start
Avenida de las Americas
8:15 a.m. 

Route: The 26.2-mile course, according to Houston2012.com:

The men and women will complete a 2.2-mile inner loop through the heart of downtown Houston and then run the outer eight-mile loop three times to complete the 26.2-mile marathon.

The start and finish lines are located on Avenida de las Americas in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. 

The course map looks like such:

Men's 2011 Results

Women's 2011 Results